Mask ppe with multiple adhesive locations for securing to the face

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to mask personal protective equipment (PPE) with multiple adhesive portions that secure the mask around the nose and mouth of the wearer. In one exemplary embodiment, an air-permeable layer is configured to cover a nose and mouth of a wearer, a first adhesive layer is disposed on a first lateral edge portion of the air-permeable layer, and a second adhesive layer is disposed on a second lateral edge portion of the air-permeable layer to secures the air-permeable layer to the face of the wearer. The mask can also include ear loops or other fasteners that can work in conjunction with the adhesive portions, and the fasteners can be removed after the adhesive portions are applied to the wearer&#39;s face for added freedom.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the fieldpersonal protective equipment (PPE). More specifically, embodiments ofthe present invention relate to mask PPE for protection against thetransmission of viruses and other germs.

BACKGROUND

Current approaches to mask PPE typically involve face masks, faceshields, etc., that are designed to prevent the spread of germs andviruses to others and/or to prevent the exposure of the wearer to thesame. In a medical environment, mask PPE is frequently worn by doctors,nurses, technicians, and other healthcare personnel that are present ina treatment room or operating room, for example. Mask PPE may also beworn in hazardous environments to protect the wearer from exposure totoxic gases or highly polluted air, for example.

Recently mask PPE use has become common in every-day life for theprotection of the wearer against airborne viruses, and to prevent thespread of airborne viruses by infected individuals. In some areas, facePPE is required for entry into stores, schools, airports, etc. Foreffective every-day use, mask PPE should be comfortable and should besecurely attached to the face e.g., around the nose and mouth, so thatit can effectively protect the wearer and prevent the spread of diseaseduring every-day activities, such as visiting a store, school, airport,etc. To this end, some masks include a thin strip of deformable metal atthe top edge of the mask designed to bend and form to the wearer's nose.The flexible metal strip can provide a more comfortable fit that helpssecure the mask PPE to the wear's face around the nose and mouth area.However, because the thin metal strip only helps to secure the top edgeof the mask around the wearer's nose, the sides of the mask tend to fitloosely near the mouth, thereby allowing air to flow in and out of gapsbetween the mask and the wearer's face.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary prior art mask PPE 100 that suffers fromthese deficiencies. As depicted in FIG. 1, air that is exhaled by thewearer flows outward through gaps 105 and 110 on each lateral edge ofthe mask. The prior art mask PPE 100 is further held in place using earloops or straps, and despite the top edge 115 of the mask fittingrelatively securely around the wearer's nose, the lateral edges of themask bow outward creating gaps 105 and 110 that enable air e.g., exhaledbreath, to flow between the mask 100 and the wearer's face. Moreover,air can enter the lateral gaps 105 and 110 in the mask 100 therebybypassing the mask entirely, rendering the wearer vulnerable tocontamination from germs and viruses.

Moreover, prior art mask PPE 100 requires ear loops to secure the mask100 to the wearer's face, and the ear loops can obstruct access to thewearer's hair, face, and neck for instance during a haircut or othermedical procedure, etc., and therefore a mask PPE that can be secured tothe wearer's face without the necessary use of ear loops is desired.

Accordingly, what is needed is an approach to mask PPE that bettersecures the mask to the wearer's face without necessarily requiring earloops to improve the fit and effectiveness of the mask PPE.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to protective masks. Themask can be a surgical mask or other protective apparatus that includesmultiple adhesive strips configured to secure the lateral edge portionsof the mask to the wearer's face, such as a medical grade protectivemask. Mask embodiments of the present invention may or may not includethe ear loops.

In one exemplary embodiment, an air-permeable layer is configured tocover a nose and mouth of a wearer, a first adhesive layer is disposedon a first lateral edge portion of the air-permeable layer, and a secondadhesive layer is disposed on a second lateral edge portion of theair-permeable layer to secures the air-permeable layer to the face ofthe wearer. The mask can also optaionlly include ear loops or otherfasteners that can help alight the mask to the face and that can alsowork in conjunction with the adhesive portions, and the fasteners canoptionally be removed after the adhesive portions are applied to thewearer's face for added freedom.

According to some embodiments, the novel mask includes a flexible metalstrip disposed on a top edge portion of said air-permeable layerconfigured to conform the top edge portion of said air-permeable layerto the nose of the wearer.

According to some embodiments, the mask includes removeable ornon-removeable ear loops.

According to some embodiments, the mask includes a third adhesive layerdisposed below said first adhesive layer on said first later edgeportion of the air-permeable layer, and a fourth adhesive layer disposedbelow said second adhesive layer on said second lateral edge portion ofthe air-permeable layer.

According to some embodiments, said first, second, third, and fourthadhesive layers include adhesive strips substantially ½ inch in lengthand ¼ inch in width, of course any other suitable length can be used.

According to some embodiments, said first and second adhesive layers arerespectively disposed on center portions of said first and secondlateral edge portions.

According to some embodiments, said first and second adhesive layerscomprise adhesive strips substantially 2 inches in length.

According to another embodiment, a protective mask is disclosed. Theprotective mask includes an air-permeable layer configured to cover anose and mouth of a wearer, a pair of straps for securing theair-permeable layer around the nose and mouth of the wearer, a firstadhesive layer disposed on a first lateral edge portion of theair-permeable layer, and a second adhesive layer disposed on a secondlateral edge portion of the air-permeable layer, where the first andsecond adhesive layers secure the air-permeable layer around the noseand mouth of the wearer in conjunction with the pair of straps tosubstantially prevent breath from flowing out of lateral gaps betweensaid air-permeable layer and the nose and mouth of the wearer.

According to another embodiment, a mask personal protective equipment isdisclosed an includes an air-permeable layer configured to cover a noseand mouth of a wearer, a pair of removeable straps for securing theair-permeable layer around the nose and mouth of the wearer, a firstadhesive layer disposed on a first lateral edge portion of theair-permeable layer, and a second adhesive layer disposed on a secondlateral edge portion of the air-permeable layer, where the first andsecond adhesive layers secure the air-permeable layer around the noseand mouth of the wearer and the pair of removeable straps are operableto be removed after the first and second adhesive layers are applied tothe wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an exemplary prior art mask PPE with earloops.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of a rear view of an exemplary mask PPE withmultiple adhesive strips according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of a front view of an exemplary mask PPE withmultiple adhesive strips according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of a rear view of an exemplary mask PPE with fouradhesive strips according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a diagram of a front view of an exemplary mask PPE with fouradhesive strips according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary mask PPE with multiple adhesivestrips covering a wearer's face according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A is a diagram of a rear view of an exemplary mask PPE withmultiple adhesive strips and without ear loops according to embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of a front view of an exemplary mask PPE withmultiple adhesive strips and without ear loops according to embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a rear view of an exemplary mask PPE with fouradhesive strips and without ear loops according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of a rear view of an exemplary mask PPE with fouradhesive strips and without ear loops according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an exemplary mask PPE with multiple adhesivestrips covering a wearer's face without using ear loops according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary sequence of computer implementedsteps for using a mask with multiple adhesive strips for securing themask to the face according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments. While thesubject matter will be described in conjunction with the alternativeembodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limitthe claimed subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, theclaimed subject matter is intended to cover alternative, modifications,and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope ofthe claimed subject matter as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe claimed subject matter. However, it will be recognized by oneskilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without thesespecific details or with equivalents thereof. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not beendescribed in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects and featuresof the subject matter.

Mask PPE with Multiple Adhesive Locations and Ear Loops

Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to a protective mask. Thefollowing discussion describes one such exemplary protective mask. Themask can include an air-permeable, multi-layer polymer layer, such aspolypropylene, in combination with and outer layer of non-woven fabric.The air-permeable layer can include pleats that can bestretched/expanded during use. The air-permeable layer is configured toblock or filter airborne particles, droplets, etc., to prevent thetransmission of viruses and other germs.

With regard to FIG. 2A, a rear view of an exemplary mask PPE 200 withmultiple adhesive strips is depicted according to embodiments of thepresent invention. Adhesive strips 205 and 210 secure the lateral edgeportions of the mask 200 to the wearer's face around the nose and mouthto improve the effectiveness of the mask for preventing transmission ofviruses and other germs, and to secure mask 200 to the wearer's facewith or without the use of ear loops or other lightweight fasteners. Themask in made from an air-permeable multi-layer material or otherbreathable material configured to be placed over a mouth and nose of thewearer. Adhesive strips 205 and 210 can include removeable plastic coverstrips that can be peeled off for protecting the adhesive beforeapplication to the user's face. The width and length dimensions of mask200 can eb of any well-known mask dimensions.

According to some embodiments, the adhesive strips 205 and 210 arelayers of double-sided adhesive. According to some embodiments, theadhesive strips 205 and 210 are ¼ inch×½ inch adhesive layers but couldbe of any suitable length. According to various embodiments, the mask200 can also include ear loops or other fasteners that can work inconjunction with the adhesive portions, or the fasteners can be removedafter the adhesive portions are applied to the wearer's face via lightpressure applied thereto. The adhesive strips 205 and 210 secure themask the face to more tightly fit e.g. “seal” the mask around the noseand mouth of the wearer, and to provide a means of securing the mask tothe face in the absence of ear loops or the like. The adhesive stripscan also help align the mask around the nose and mouth while used inconjunction with ear loops, for example. Advantageously, the adhesivestrips 205 and 210 can only be used a number of times before theadhesive can no longer secure the mask 200 to the wearer's face, forcingthe wearer to replace the mask 200 with a fresh new mask, therebyreducing the use of soiled or contaminated masks.

FIG. 2B depicts a front view of mask 200 according to embodiments of thepresent invention. Mask 200 includes flexible metal strip 225 forconforming the top edge of the mask to the wearer's nose and face, andear loops or straps for securing to the wearer's ears. According to someembodiments, ear loops 215 and 220 may be of a removeable fashion andmay be detached after the mask 200 is properly aligned and secured tothe wearer's face using adhesive strips 205 and 210. Removing the earloops 215 and 220 can provide enhanced freedom of movement and freedomto perform different everyday activities, such as receiving a haircut,patronizing a salon, attending a medical appointment, etc. Removing theear loops can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the mask as the mask isheld closer to the face to give a more natural appearance, and the maskis less noticeable to others after the ear loops have been removed.Securing the mask closely to the face without using ear loops also helpsprevent the mask from being caught or tangled by other objects, andhelps prevent the mask from becoming suddenly dislodged during use. Forexample, the prior art mask 100 requiring ear loops to secure the mask100 to the face can often get tangled in eyewear, such as sunglasses andeyeglasses, or face shields and other face PPE. According to someembodiments, the ear loops can be removed by tearing or cutting the earloops with scissors or a blade.

With regard to FIG. 3A, a rear view of an exemplary mask PPE 300 withmultiple adhesive strips is depicted according to embodiments of thepresent invention. The mask is made from a well-known air-permeablemulti-layer material or other material configured to be placed over amouth and nose of the wearer. Adhesive strips 305 and 310 secure theleft lateral edge portion of the mask 300 to the wearer's face, andadhesive strips 315 and 320 secure the right lateral edge of the mask300 to the wearer's face. Adhesive strips 305 and 315 are located nearthe top edge of mask 300, and adhesive strips 310 and 320 are locatednear the bottom edge of mask 300. Securing the mask to the wearer's facein this way improves the effectiveness of the mask for preventingtransmission of viruses and other germs while maintaining flexibilitywhile talking and moving during every-day activities, and functions tosecure mask 300 to the wearer's face with or without the use of earloops or other lightweight fasteners. Adhesive strips 305, 310, 315, and320 can include removeable plastic cover strips that can be readilypeeled off for protecting the adhesive before application to the user'sface.

According to some embodiments, the adhesive strips 305, 310, 315, and320 are layers of double-sided adhesive. According to some embodiments,the adhesive strips 305, 310, 315, and 320 are ¼ inch×2 inch adhesivelayers but could be of various other suitable sizes.

FIG. 3B depicts a front view of mask 300 according to embodiments of thepresent invention. Mask 300 includes flexible metal strip 335 forconforming the top edge of the mask to the wearer's nose and face, andear loops or straps for securing to the wearer's ears. According to someembodiments, ear loops 325 and 330 are removeable and can be detachedafter the mask 300 is secured to the wearer's face using adhesive strips305, 310, 315, and 320.

It is appreciated that the ear loops 325 and 330 can be effectively usedto properly align and position the mask to the face so that the adhesivestrips are properly aligned to the face. After the mask is secured tothe face in this fashion, the ear loops, optionally, can be removed.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary mask PPE 400 secured to a wearer's faceaccording to embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, mask400 is secured to the wearer's face around the nose and mouth usingadhesive strips on the lateral edges 405 and 410 of the mask 400 thatadhere the lateral edge 405 and 410 to the wearer's face. As depicted inFIG. 4, mask 4 includes ear loops or straps 415 for optionally securingthe mask to the wearer's face by looping the ear loops around thewearer's ears. According to some embodiments, the ear loops are madefrom elastic or similar stretchable material. According to someembodiments, the ear loops are removeable.

It is to be appreciated that once the ear loops are removed, the wearerwill have increased freedom to engage in certain activities, such asreceiving a haircut or style or attending to a medical visit, etc.

Mask PPE with Multiple Adhesive Locations

With regard to FIG. 5A, a rear view of an exemplary mask PPE 500 withmultiple adhesive strips is depicted according to embodiments of thepresent invention. The mask in made from an air-permeable multi-layermaterial or other material configured to be placed over a mouth and noseof the wearer. The mask PPE 500 does not include ear loops. Adhesivestrips 505 and 510 secure the lateral edges of the mask 500 to thewearer's face to improve the effectiveness of the mask for preventingtransmission of viruses and other germs, and advantageously does notrequire the use of ear loops to secure the mask 500 to the wearer'sface.

FIG. 5B depicts a front view of mask 500 according to embodiments of thepresent invention. Mask 500 includes flexible metal strip 515 forconforming the top edge of the mask to the wearer's nose and face.Adhesive strips 505 and 510 can include removeable plastic cover stripsthat can be peeled off for protecting the adhesive before application tothe user's face.

With regard to FIG. 6A, a rear view of an exemplary mask PPE 600 withmultiple adhesive strips is depicted according to embodiments of thepresent invention. The mask is made from a well-known air-permeablemulti-layer material or other material configured to be placed over amouth and nose of the wearer. Adhesive strips 605 and 610 adhere theleft lateral edge of the mask 600 to the wearer's face, and adhesivestrips 615 and 620 adhere the right lateral edge of the mask 600 to thewearer's face. Adhesive strips 605 and 615 are located near the top edgeof mask 600, and adhesive strips 610 and 620 are located near the bottomedge of mask 600. Securing the mask to the wearer's face in this wayimproves the effectiveness of the mask for preventing transmission ofviruses and other germs while maintaining flexibility while talking andmoving during every-day activities, and advantageously secures the maskto the wearer's face without requiring the use of ear loops.

FIG. 6B depicts a front view of mask 600 according to embodiments of thepresent invention. Mask 600 includes flexible metal strip 625 forconforming the top edge of the mask to the wearer's nose and face.According to some embodiments, ear loops 615 and 620 are removeable andcan be detached after the mask 600 is secured to the wearer's face usingadhesive strips 605, 610, 615, and 620. Adhesive strips 605, 610, 615,and 620 can include removeable plastic cover strips that can be peeledoff for protecting the adhesive before application to the user's face.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary mask PPE 700 secured to a wearer's faceaccording to embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, mask700 is secured to the wearer's face around the nose and mouth usingadhesive strips on the lateral edges 705 and 710 of the mask 700 thatadhere the lateral edge 705 and 710 to the wearer's face. As depicted inFIG. 7, mask 7 includes ear loops or straps 715 for optionally securingthe mask to the wearer's face by looping the ear loops around thewearer's ears. As depicted in FIG. 7, mask 700 does not include earloops, or the ear loops of the mask have been removed e.g. cut off orcut away.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary sequence of steps 800 for using a mask withmultiple adhesive strips for securing the mask to the wearer's faceaccording to embodiments of the present invention. Using the maskaccording to steps 800 can help secure and align the mask to thewearer's nose and mouth and help prevent the transmission of viruses andother germs, as well as providing added freedom when the ear loops areoptionally removed.

At step 805, a new mask having multiple adhesive strips with removeableprotective layers is obtained.

At step 810, the removeable protective layers are removed from theadhesive strips.

At step 815, the mask is positioned over the face and secured around theears using ear loops.

At step 820, pressure is applied to the mask and face to secure theadhesive to the face.

At step 825, the ear loops are optionally removed from the mask. Themask is advantageously held in place by the adhesive strips for addedfreedom.

Embodiments of the present invention are thus described. While thepresent invention has been described in particular embodiments, itshould be appreciated that the present invention should not be construedas limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mask comprising: an air-permeable layerconfigured to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer; a first adhesivelayer disposed on a first lateral edge portion of the air-permeablelayer; and a second adhesive layer disposed on a second lateral edgeportion of the air-permeable layer, wherein the first and secondadhesive layers are operable to secure the air-permeable layer to a faceof a wearer.
 2. The mask described in claim 1, further comprising aflexible metal strip disposed on a top edge portion of saidair-permeable layer configured to conform the top edge portion of saidair-permeable layer to the nose of the wearer to facilitate securing theair-permeable layer to the face.
 3. The mask described in claim 1,further comprising removeable ear loops disposed on said first andsecond lateral edge portions.
 4. The mask described in claim 1, furthercomprising: a third adhesive layer disposed lower than said firstadhesive layer on said first later edge portion of the air-permeablelayer; and a fourth adhesive layer disposed lower than said secondadhesive layer on said second lateral edge portion of the air-permeablelayer.
 5. The mask described in claim 4, wherein said first, second,third, and fourth adhesive layers comprise thin adhesive stripssubstantially ½ inch in length and ¼ inch in width and further comprisepeel-off protective strips.
 6. The mask described in claim 1, whereinsaid first and second adhesive layers are disposed on respective centerportions of said first and second lateral edge portions.
 7. The maskdescribed in claim 6, wherein said first and second adhesive layerscomprise adhesive strips substantially 2 inches in length.
 8. Aprotective mask comprising: an air-permeable layer configured to cover anose and a mouth of a wearer; a pair of ear loops for securing theair-permeable layer around the nose and mouth of the wearer by securingto ears of the wearer; a first adhesive layer disposed on a firstlateral edge portion of the air-permeable layer; and a second adhesivelayer disposed on a second lateral edge portion of the air-permeablelayer, wherein the first and second adhesive layers secure theair-permeable layer around the nose and mouth of the wearer inconjunction with the pair of ear loops to substantially prevent breathfrom flowing out of lateral gaps between said air-permeable layer andthe nose and mouth of the wearer.
 9. The protective mask described inclaim 8, further comprising a flexible thin strip disposed on a top edgeportion of said air-permeable layer configured to conform the top edgeportion of said air-permeable layer to the nose of the wearer.
 10. Theprotective mask described in claim 8, further comprising: a thirdadhesive layer disposed lower than said first adhesive layer on saidfirst later edge portion of the air-permeable layer; and a fourthadhesive layer disposed lower than said second adhesive layer on saidsecond lateral edge portion of the air-permeable layer.
 11. Theprotective mask described in claim 10, wherein said first, second,third, and fourth adhesive layers comprise thin adhesive stripssubstantially ½ inch in length and ¼ inch in width and further comprisepeel-off protective strips..
 12. The protective mask described in claim8, wherein said first and second adhesive layers are disposed onrespective center portions of said first and second lateral edgeportions.
 13. The protective mask described in claim 12, wherein saidfirst and second adhesive layers comprise adhesive strips substantially2 inches in length.
 14. A mask personal protective equipment (PPE)comprising: an air-permeable layer configured to cover a nose and amouth of a wearer; a pair of removeable ear loops for securing andaligning the air-permeable layer around the nose and mouth of thewearer; a first adhesive layer disposed on a first lateral edge portionof the air-permeable layer; and a second adhesive layer disposed on asecond lateral edge portion of the air-permeable layer, wherein thefirst and second adhesive layers secure the air-permeable layer aroundthe nose and mouth of the wearer and the pair of removeable ear loopsare operable to be removed after the first and second adhesive layersare applied to face of the wearer.
 15. The mask PPE described in claim14, further comprising a flexible metal strip disposed on a top edgeportion of said air-permeable layer configured to conform the top edgeportion of said air-permeable layer to the nose of the wearer.
 16. Themask PPE described in claim 14, further comprising: a third adhesivelayer disposed lower than said first adhesive layer on said first lateredge portion of the air-permeable layer; and a fourth adhesive layerdisposed lower than said second adhesive layer on said second lateraledge portion of the air-permeable layer.
 17. The mask PPE described inclaim 16, wherein said first, second, third, and fourth adhesive layerscomprise thin adhesive strips substantially ½ inch in length and ¼ inchin width and further comprise peel-off protective strips.
 18. The maskPPE described in claim 16, wherein said first and second adhesive layersare disposed on respective center portions of said first and secondlateral edge portions.
 19. The mask PPE described in claim 18, whereinsaid first and second adhesive layers comprise adhesive stripssubstantially 2 inches in length.